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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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thought it by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought it by" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used due to its incorrect structure and lack of context. Example: "I thought it by the time we reached the station." (This example is incorrect and does not make sense.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gielgud thought it "by far the most exciting film I have ever made".

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Otto Naumann, a Manhattan dealer, thought it was by Dou, Mr. Aste said.

"I just thought it was by an accomplished older British man," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"The participants thought it had by far the most powerful treatment of the memorial space".

News & Media

The New York Times

A WHALE HUNT: How a Native American Village Did What No One Thought It Could, by Robert Sullivan.

I thought it was required by law.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Others thought it was caused by a meteor shower.

News & Media

Vice

I thought it was another trap by the police.

Formal & Business

Unicef

"I thought it was an outstanding game by both teams.

News & Media

BBC

[But] I think it varies by country rather than by region.

News & Media

TechCrunch

I think it varies by people.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "thought it by" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and grammatically correct alternatives such as "believed it was" or "considered it to be".

Common error

Be cautious when encountering phrases like "thought it by" as they might be incomplete or grammatically incorrect. Always ensure your sentences are clear and follow standard English grammar rules.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought it by" functions as part of a clause where someone is expressing their thinking process, but it's often incomplete and grammatically unconventional. Ludwig AI highlights its non-standard nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thought it by" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and lacks a clear, established usage in standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase does not convey a clear meaning and should be avoided in formal writing. Instead, it's best to use alternatives like "believed it was" or "considered it to be" for clarity and correctness. Although some instances appear across different contexts like News & Media and Wiki, their limited frequency suggests it's not a conventional expression. Therefore, paying attention to grammatical correctness and choosing more appropriate phrases will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

FAQs

What are some correct alternatives to "thought it by"?

Instead of "thought it by", you can use phrases like "believed it was", "considered it to be", or "assumed it to be" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "thought it by" grammatically correct?

No, "thought it by" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It often appears as an incomplete or misinterpreted phrase.

How can I use "thought" correctly in a similar context?

You can use "thought" correctly by saying "I thought it was" or "I thought it would be", followed by a description or explanation.

What's the difference between "thought it by" and "believed it was"?

"Thought it by" is grammatically incorrect, while "believed it was" is a correct and commonly used phrase to express a conviction or acceptance of something.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: